Delphi is considered the center of the world. The name
"Delphi" was invented from the "dolphin" because it is
greatly believed that Apollo first visited the region in the shape of a
dolphin. Delphi is located in Phocis, a region in Greece. It is well known as
the seat of the high priestess of Apollo called Pythia. Delphi was originally
called Pytho in ancient times. It is located near the Gulf of Corinth. It was
the city where advice and predictions were given to humans in ancient times.
Here are some things on Delphi that you should know;
Center of the World
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| By Zde - Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Delphi is believed to be a
navel or center of the earth. Greek god, Zeus released two birds; Eagle into
the air. One went east and the other to the west, the two birds met in Delphi
after they traveled the world. The point where they met is called Omphalos in
Delphi.
Apollo Influence
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| By Helen Simonsson - Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Apollo was worshiped in
Delphi because he killed a serpent which was also called 'Drako' and became a
protector of the region. The site where Apollo killed Python is called Krisa.
Oracle of Delphi
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| By Doc James - Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Delphi was also popularly
called Python because it was in the region that the goddess, Python met her
destiny in the hands of Apollo. A priestess of Apollo also known as Pythia
answered the questions of the inhabitants on how they wanted to be guided in
their future efforts. The sessions with a priestess generally last about a
whole day.
Delphi Games
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| By Ronny Siegel - Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Delphi like other religious
areas in Greece holds a game to respect the Greek gods. The Pythian game starts
in 591 BC and is held every eight years. The main event that took place at
Pythian Games was a music competition. During the competition, Solo musicians
sang the song of praise for Apollo.
Notable Sites
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| By Bernard Gagnon - Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Delphi has several beautiful
archaeological sites that include the Doric Temple, a temple that was built in
honor of Apollo and the Alcmaeonids temple. Other monuments in Delphi include;
Four gold horse chariot; Prizes from Rhodes and bronze images that are very
giant from the Trojan
horse.
Treasury of Athens
_by_Joy_of_Museums.jpg) |
| By Joyofmuseums - Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Athens' treasury was built in
Delphi to accommodate supply and dedication made for Apollo by the Athens.
Delphi Tholos
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| By Joyofmuseums - Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Delphi Tholos is one of
Delphi's medieval structures. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. It has a
circular design and stands around 13.5 m tall in the middle of the Athena
Pronaia temple. Metopes were built in these buildings to describe various
events.
Patron
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| By Bernard Gagnon - Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Delphi was originally guided
by Gaia who is known as a 'grandmother of the earth'. The city was guarded by a
dragon, Python in Gaia's instructions. This is the monster that Apollo killed.
Delphi Theatre
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| By KtrnDrta - Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Delphi Theatre was built on
the same hill as Apollo Temple. This theatre was built with limestone in the
4th century. It has more than 35 rows that can accommodate an audience of
around 5000. Many events are still being held here today.
Phoebe
.jpg) |
| By HerrAdams - Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Phoebe is the third goddess
who is a Delphi priest. She also happened to be Apollo's grandmother.
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